Two new ant species of the genus Leptogenys (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) from Hainan, China, with a key to the known Chinese species

Abstract

Two new species of ponerine ants from Hainan Province, China, Leptogenys hainanensis sp. nov. and L. zhoui sp. nov., are delineated and depicted based on the worker caste. Leptogenys hainanensis sp. nov. belongs to the L. leleji species group, with mandibles elongate, slender and curved, lacking a distinct masticatory margin. On the other hand, L. zhoui sp. nov. belongs to the L. crassicornis species group, distinguished by its square head, smooth body, mandibles with a dentate masticatory margin, and short antennae. A key to workers for the known species of Leptogenys in China are provided and a map is provided for the newly described species.